What you need before you start

Before you open your trunk, gather three things: your car's owner manual, a replacement bulb that matches your vehicle's year and model, and a flathead screwdriver or a plastic trim tool. The manual tells you which bulb type your car uses — this matters because tail lights use different bulbs than brake lights or turn signals, even on the same car. You can find the bulb type printed on the old bulb itself, or look it up online using your vehicle's year, make, and model.

Buy the replacement bulb at an auto parts store, a big-box retailer, or online. Bring your car's information with you, or take a photo of the old bulb to show the clerk. The bulb usually costs between $5 and $15. Some vehicles have sealed tail light units that require removing the entire assembly rather than just the bulb — your manual will show you which type you have.

Work in daylight or with a flashlight nearby so you can see what you're doing. The job takes 10 to 20 minutes for most cars.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your bulb type in the owner manual or by looking at the old bulb itself before you buy a replacement.
  • Most tail light bulbs twist out counterclockwise from inside the trunk, but some cars require removing the entire tail light assembly first.
  • Handle the new bulb by its base, not the glass, because skin oils can shorten its lifespan.
  • Test the light before you close the trunk to confirm the new bulb works.

Access the tail light from inside your trunk

Open your trunk and look at the inside wall where the tail light is located. You should see either a plastic panel or the back of the tail light assembly. If there's a plastic panel, look for clips or screws holding it in place. Pry gently with a flathead screwdriver or plastic trim tool to remove the panel — it usually pops off without tools once you find the edge.

Once the panel is off or if there's no panel, you'll see the back of the tail light assembly. Look for a rubber gasket or plastic socket sticking out from the assembly. This socket holds the bulb. Some cars have a metal or plastic ring around the socket that you turn counterclockwise to release the bulb holder.

Remove the old bulb

Grasp the bulb holder or socket and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The bulb and its holder should come free in your hand. If it doesn't move, check your manual — some vehicles require removing bolts or clips from outside the car first.

Once the holder is out, look at the bulb itself. It's usually held in the plastic socket by a simple push-fit or by two small pins on the sides of the bulb that slot into the socket. Push the bulb straight in toward the socket and turn it counterclockwise to release it, or simply pull it straight out if it's a push-fit type. The old bulb is now free.

Install the new bulb

Take the new bulb out of its packaging. Hold it by the metal base only — do not touch the glass part, because oils from your skin can damage the bulb and shorten how long it lasts. If you've already touched the glass, wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

Insert the new bulb into the socket by aligning the two pins on the bulb with the slots in the socket, then push it in and turn it clockwise until it stops. If it's a push-fit bulb, simply push it straight into the socket until you feel it seat. Don't force it — it should go in smoothly.

Now push the bulb holder back into the tail light assembly and turn it clockwise until it's snug. You should hear or feel a small click when it's fully seated. Replace any plastic panels you removed, making sure they're clipped or screwed back in place.

Test the light before you finish

Close the trunk most of the way, but leave it open enough that you can see the tail light. Have someone press the brake pedal while you watch the tail light, or turn on the headlights and look for the tail light to glow. If it lights up, the bulb is working correctly.

If the light doesn't come on, open the trunk again and check that the bulb holder is fully seated in the assembly. Turn it clockwise a bit more if it seems loose. If it still doesn't work, the bulb socket itself may be damaged, and you'll need to have a mechanic look at it or replace the entire tail light assembly.

Once the light works, close the trunk all the way.

What to do if the bulb holder won't come out

If you've turned the bulb holder counterclockwise and it won't budge, stop — forcing it can break the plastic. Check your owner manual to see if your vehicle requires removing the tail light assembly from outside the car first. Some cars have bolts or screws on the outside of the tail light that must come out before the assembly can be accessed from inside the trunk.

If the manual shows external bolts, use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove them, then gently pull the entire tail light assembly away from the car body. Once it's free, you can access the bulb holder from the back. After you've replaced the bulb, push the assembly back in place and reinstall the bolts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a tail light bulb myself or do I need a mechanic?

Most people can replace a tail light bulb themselves in 10 to 20 minutes. It requires no special tools beyond a screwdriver and takes only basic mechanical sense. If the bulb holder won't come free or the light still doesn't work after you've installed a new bulb, that's when a mechanic can help diagnose a damaged socket or wiring problem.

What's the difference between a tail light and a brake light bulb?

Tail lights and brake lights are often in the same assembly but use different bulbs. The tail light glows dimly when your headlights are on; the brake light glows brightly when you press the brake pedal. Your owner manual shows which socket holds which bulb. Installing the wrong bulb in the wrong socket means one of the lights won't work.

How do I know which bulb type to buy?

Look at the old bulb — the type is printed on the base, usually something like 1157 or 7440. You can also check your owner manual or search online for your car's year, make, and model plus "tail light bulb." Auto parts stores can look it up for you if you bring your vehicle information.

Why shouldn't I touch the glass part of the new bulb?

Oils from your skin can coat the glass and cause the bulb to overheat, which shortens its lifespan or can cause it to burn out quickly. If you do touch the glass, wipe it clean with a dry cloth before installing it.

What if my tail light has two bulbs side by side?

Some vehicles have separate sockets for the tail light and brake light in the same assembly. Your manual shows which socket holds which bulb. Replace only the one that's burned out, or replace both if you want them to match in age and brightness.